I enjoyed this new picture book from Chris Barton. At first, I thought it was going to be more about the research and writing process. It's about how a book gets published which is great too to share with readers. Hopefully, it will inspire readers to write their own books to be published.

This picture book would be great to use at the beginning of a new writing unit and then have the students' work published in an actual book. There used to be a few places online where you could send in students' work and have a book made and parents could purchase the class book.

Great addition to any library especially elementary and even middle school too. As I was reading, I was trying to see if this would work for high school students too. I believe you are never too old to be read to.

As a dog mom myself, I love the playfulness and humor in the text and illustrations (the author's dog Ernie even blurbed it on the back cover) . The timeline of the book's creation is also a great way to show the many steps that go into a creating a book. My one criticism is that in the section where the book goes to an acquisitions meeting, there was very little tension or suspense. It seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the editor would acquire the book, even if that editor wanted some revisions first. That might be true for this book, but anyone who's pursued a publishing contract can tell you it doesn't always happen that way. In the back matter, the author acknowledges that some of what he writes never becomes a book, but I thought that spread could've used a bit more tension to keep using turning the page (and also so kids understand that even published authors sometimes face setbacks). At times, the book seems to be about the process of making that particular book, while other times it explains the process more generally. Otherwise, this book manages to pack a lot of useful information into a lighthearted and easily digestible format. I think kids who love dogs or are curious about publishing will love it.

NOTE: I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.

Chris Barton’s How to Make a Book (about My Dog) is probably one of our new favorite picture books. I can guarantee we will be giving this as a gift.

Barton walks us through the process of how to make a book, from the brainstorming process all the way to the reader’s hands. He explains all of the people involved in writing and publishing a book and the work involved. Better yet, he does all of this in a fun, quirky, and interesting way. Explaining how to make a book while making that book about his dog Ernie just ads to the charm. Sarah Horne’s full color illustrations perfectly add to the story. This is perfect for elementary age kids.

This was such a cool book!! I really like the way the author explains the writing and research process through illustrations, and it's written in a way that makes it understandable for younger readers but also very readable for adults as well. Anything with dogs makes me happy, and this book was especially fun in the way it was essentially a how-to on making a book about a dog, so readers who have a pet can make one themselves!

Overall this is super fun read that highlights the importance of research!

Fun and informational with great illustrations. By including his dog as an example throughout the book, the author provides comic relief which keeps the book entertaining. Kids should enjoy the illustrations as there are lots of fun and colorful pictures as well.

I absolutely loved this book for making picture books. Such a fun and informative read!

My youngest son is very artistic and has been making his own stories for some time. This book would be a wonderful additional to his knowledge bank on illustrating and making picture books.

I highly recommend this for any kid (or adult!) interested in the process behind making picture books. Very well done!

This is the storybook for me. It doesn't matter if it's been written for kids. It's for doglovers all around the world.

Adopting a dog, raising a dog and taking care of a dog isn't just the responsibility of one person. And I am so glad the author mentions everyone involved with the wellbeing of his dog, Ernie. And thank you for mentioning the various people involved in bringing out a storybook!

I had little idea regarding what's behind in publishing a storybook.

This one doesn't read like a storybook. It's like a graphic novel. I love it!

And those multiple coffee mugs on the desk? That's quite relatable.

Thanks for all the information provided in this little book. It just made my day!

Thank you, author and the publishing team, for the advance reading copy.

Looking forward to the physical copy when it comes out!

This is a really cute book. The illustrations are delightful. The storyline follows the author and his dog, as well as the creation of a book about the dog (meta!?). I think it’s a funny, clever, and engaging book for a young reader.